Big Jobs in Nunda Township Go Unchallenged

Posted on by December 16, 2008
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Filing for the five Republican township primaries in McHenry County has ended and the major Nunda Township officers have emerged unchallenged, according to Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano.

That means Supervisor John Heisler, Road Commissioner Don Kopsell, Assessor Dennis Jagla and Clerk Provenzano can relax between now and the February 24th township primary election.

However, there does appear to be a spirited contest for township trustee in the offing.

With the death of Township Trustee Walt Romanus, the Nunda Township Board appointed former Township Clerk and McHenry County Board member Dick Meyers as his replacement last week.

Those running for township trustee follow in alphabetical order:

  • Kelvin (Lee) Jennings, who applied unsuccessfully for the Romanus vacancy
  • Dick Meyers, appointed incumbent
  • Thomas Palmer, incumbent
  • Kevin Sarnwick, incumbent
  • James Schlader, incumbent
  • Joni Smith

Four will emerge as primary winners.

Nunda Township runs north from Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake into the southern part of McHenry north of Bull Valley Road. Its western boundary goes north from the middle of Crystal Lake. The Lake County line is its eastern boundary.

Democrats could caucus in mid-January and name opposing candidates.

If so, it would be much like the state Democrats, who are now backing away from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s suggestion to hold a special election to select President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement.

Why hold an election to select the party’s candidate when an appointment is so much less dangerous?

Message of the Day – Wind

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

When the snow came early last week, the wind blew from the north.

You can tell from this picture of Cumberland Lane (Gate 10) in Lakewood. It was taken from the North.

You will note that the Village of Lakewood, a Tree City USA, values trees more than its streets.

A number of the trees you see are in the right-of-way.

Contest for Mayor Only Big Deal in Woodstock

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Monday a week ago, McHenry County Blog reported that local businessman Mark Indyke is challenging incumbent Mayor Brian Sager.

Indyke runs Dog in Suds with his wife. Sager is a McHenry County College administrator.

Only the incumbents whose terms are up filed for city council. They are

  • Michael Turner

  • R.B. Thompson and

  • Richard Ahrens

There will be no primary election because there are not enough candidates to require one.

Contest for Crystal Lake City Council

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Through 4:30 yesterday afternoon (with one-half hour in which one or more candidates could have filed) the following citizens had filed their petitions for the Crystal Lake City Council election next spring:

Nick Kachiroubas has filed for city clerk. Incumbent Roger Dreher is retiring.

= = = = =
The photo is of Kay Stanish.

Manzullo Announces Naval, Air Force Academy Nominations

Posted on by December 15, 2008
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U.S. Congressman Don Manuzllo has announced three local high school students will get free college educations at the Naval and Air Force Academies. His three press releases follow:

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Geri Veilleux of Algonquin, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Geri will graduate in spring 2009 from Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. At Jacobs, Geri is a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a student advisor and a peer tutor.

Geri is also heavily involved in the Fox Valley Evangelical Church, where she is a Sunday School Assistant, Student Ministry Team Leader, and Vacation Bible School leader. She also traveled to New Orleans with the church to help repair and rebuild homes and churches devastated by the hurricanes.

At Jacobs, Geri is Captain of the Varsity Track and Field and Cross Country Teams. Geri is the daughter of Raymond and Valerie Veilleux of Algonquin.

Prairie Ridge High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Naval Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Michael Mourafetis of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Michael will graduate in June 2009 from Prairie Ridge High School. At Prairie Ridge, Michael is a member of the National Honor Society and was named a 2009 National Merit Commended Student. He received the Northern Illinois Hockey League Scholarship Award and was named Prairie Ridge High School Hockey Club Wolves Scholar Athlete of the Year last spring. He is also a Salvation Army bell ringer and a blood drive volunteer.

Michael is also Captain of the Varsity Hockey team and an all-star team selection. He is also a 1st dan black belt in Judo, a 1st dan black belt in kyuki-do, and a yellow belt in jui-jitsu. He participated in the USA Judo National Championships in 2006.

Michael is the son of William and Jennifer Mourafetis of Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake South High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Kurt Moehling of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kurt will graduate in June 2009 from Crystal Lake South High School. At South, Kurt is a
member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), and the Gator Link Crew. He also is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and YMCA Youth and Government.

In addition, Kurt is a member of the Varsity Football and Varsity Track teams. He is the son of Steven and Ann Moehling of Crystal Lake.

Big Jobs in Nunda Township Go Unchallenged

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Filing for the five Republican township primaries in McHenry County has ended and the major Nunda Township officers have emerged unchallenged, according to Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano.

That means Supervisor John Heisler, Road Commissioner Don Kopsell, Assessor Dennis Jagla and Clerk Provenzano can relax between now and the February 24th township primary election.

However, there does appear to be a spirited contest for township trustee in the offing.

With the death of Township Trustee Walt Romanus, the Nunda Township Board appointed former Township Clerk and McHenry County Board member Dick Meyers as his replacement last week.

Those running for township trustee follow in alphabetical order:

  • Kelvin (Lee) Jennings, who applied unsuccessfully for the Romanus vacancy
  • Dick Meyers, appointed incumbent
  • Thomas Palmer, incumbent
  • Kevin Sarnwick, incumbent
  • James Schlader, incumbent
  • Joni Smith

Four will emerge as primary winners.

Nunda Township runs north from Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake into the southern part of McHenry north of Bull Valley Road. Its western boundary goes north from the middle of Crystal Lake. The Lake County line is its eastern boundary.

Democrats could caucus in mid-January and name opposing candidates.

If so, it would be much like the state Democrats, who are now backing away from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s suggestion to hold a special election to select President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement.

Why hold an election to select the party’s candidate when an appointment is so much less dangerous?

MCC Faculty Raises Said to Average 2.76% Over Next Five Years

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Maybe you read my article about McHenry County College’s continuing failure to post its board packet items 21 hours ahead of the meeting’s beginning.

I notice that the information is now up.

Here’s what it says:

“The Faculty Association has ratified the contract agreement proposed by the negotiation teams of the Board of Trustees and the McHenry County College Faculty Association. This is an agreement for a five year period that covers academic years 2008-2009 through 2012-2013. The agreement calls for an average increase in the base salary 2.76 percent over the course of the next five years.”

What Do You Make of This Statement by Patrick Fitzgerald about Barack Obama?

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

STATEMENT OF U. S. ATTORNEY PATRICK J. FITZGERALD REGARDING THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED PUBLIC CORRUPTION IN ILLINOIS

CHICAGO – Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today made the following statement in response to inquiries about the statement issued by the Obama Transition regarding the ongoing investigation of alleged public corruption in Illinois state government:

“After the President-elect announced an internal transition team investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office requested a brief delay of the release of a report of that investigation to conduct certain interviews.”

Can you spell “Scooter Libby?”

Possible Abduction Attempt Near Route 14 and West Crystal Lake Avenue

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Shortly before 4 PM, I got a robo-call from Ron Miller, Superintendent of Crystal Lake Grade School District 47.

Here was his message:

“This is Ron Miller, Superintendent of District 47.

“This is to inform you that late this afternoon we received a call from the Crystal Lake Police Department stating that they received a report that a tan 4-door sedan driving by a white man may have tried to lure a child into their car.

“This occurred in the area of Crystal Lake Avenue and Green Oaks Drive.

“Please speak to your child on how to handle this situation.

“Thank you and have a good evening.”

MCC Faculty Raises Said to Average 2.76% Over Next Five Years

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Maybe you read my article about McHenry County College’s continuing failure to post its board packet items 21 hours ahead of the meeting’s beginning.

I notice that the information is now up.

Here’s what it says:

“The Faculty Association has ratified the contract agreement proposed by the negotiation teams of the Board of Trustees and the McHenry County College Faculty Association. This is an agreement for a five year period that covers academic years 2008-2009 through 2012-2013. The agreement calls for an average increase in the base salary 2.76 percent over the course of the next five years.”

What Do You Make of This Statement by Patrick Fitzgerald about Barack Obama?

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

STATEMENT OF U. S. ATTORNEY PATRICK J. FITZGERALD REGARDING THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED PUBLIC CORRUPTION IN ILLINOIS

CHICAGO – Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today made the following statement in response to inquiries about the statement issued by the Obama Transition regarding the ongoing investigation of alleged public corruption in Illinois state government:

“After the President-elect announced an internal transition team investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office requested a brief delay of the release of a report of that investigation to conduct certain interviews.”

Can you spell “Scooter Libby?”

Possible Abduction Attempt Near Route 14 and West Crystal Lake Avenue

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Shortly before 4 PM, I got a robo-call from Ron Miller, Superintendent of Crystal Lake Grade School District 47.

Here was his message:

“This is Ron Miller, Superintendent of District 47.

“This is to inform you that late this afternoon we received a call from the Crystal Lake Police Department stating that they received a report that a tan 4-door sedan driving by a white man may have tried to lure a child into their car.

“This occurred in the area of Crystal Lake Avenue and Green Oaks Drive.

“Please speak to your child on how to handle this situation.

“Thank you and have a good evening.”

Carol Marin Says Money Is The Problem in Illinois Politics

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

It always amuses me when a newspaper or someone like Carol Marin say something like this:

“Money governs in this state. Period.”

Her answer, of course, is to limit campaign contributions.

Allow foreign money to finance campaigns here the way they illegally did Barack Obama’s campaign, perhaps. Nothing like online contributions whose sources are not verified. And a toothless Federal Elections Commission.

Such a scheme would leave Marin and her media buddies with greater influence in elections than they have now.

Thanks, but, if rich people are to have an inordinate say, I’d rather have the media biggies have some competition from people who have earned their money some other way.

More rapid reporting of campaign contributions.

Now, that’s something I could get excited about.

Is My Friend Too Cynical?

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Governor Rod Blagojevich was on TV news a short time ago saying,

“There’s gonna be a time and place to talk about this. I’m looking forward to it. In fact, I can’t wait…”

A friend I just talked to thinks BlaGONEvich was trying to shake down folks about whom he might talk.

Is that too cynical an interpretation?

Carol Marin Says Money Is The Problem in Illinois Politics

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

It always amuses me when a newspaper or someone like Carol Marin say something like this:

“Money governs in this state. Period.”

Her answer, of course, is to limit campaign contributions.

Allow foreign money to finance campaigns here the way they illegally did Barack Obama’s campaign, perhaps. Nothing like online contributions whose sources are not verified. And a toothless Federal Elections Commission.

Such a scheme would leave Marin and her media buddies with greater influence in elections than they have now.

Thanks, but, if rich people are to have an inordinate say, I’d rather have the media biggies have some competition from people who have earned their money some other way.

More rapid reporting of campaign contributions.

Now, that’s something I could get excited about.

Is My Friend Too Cynical?

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Governor Rod Blagojevich was on TV news a short time ago saying,

“There’s gonna be a time and place to talk about this. I’m looking forward to it. In fact, I can’t wait…”

A friend I just talked to thinks BlaGONEvich was trying to shake down folks about whom he might talk.

Is that too cynical an interpretation?

Message of the Day – Leaves

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Snow covers the ground and in the oak-hickory forest in which we dwell, hickory leaves are sprinkled across the snow.

Saturday the wind was so strong that hickory leaves drifted up against the pile of snow I shoveled five times last week.

You can see from the American Flag at the top of the photo and the wind was really blowing hard.

My Wish Fulfillment for Rod Blagojevich

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

First the disclaimer.

As the Libertarian Party candidate for governor, I ran against Rod Blagojevich in 2002. I got whomped, receiving just 2% of the vote.

Democrat Blagojevich, one of whose chief fund raisers, Tony Rezko, is a Federal felon awaiting sentencing and another, Christopher Kelly, is awaiting trial on Federal tax charges, beat the Republican Party candidate Jim Ryan, whose chief fund raiser and contributor Stuart Levine is also a Federal felon for soliciting kickbacks from Mercy’s Crystal Lake hospital contractor, by more than my two percentage points, so it’s tough to direct responsibility to me for Ryan’s loss.

(Looking at that sentence’s construction, can you tell I took German?)

Both of them were chickens in the campaign. See

Jim-Rod, the Two-Headed Chicken, Comes Home to Roost

JimRod, the Two-Headed Chicken Comes Home to Roost – Part 2

JimRod, the Two-Headed Chicken Comes Home to Roost – Part 3

With Levine’s proven bent toward corruption, I wonder how much better Illinois governance would have been had Ryan been the 2002 victor.

But, back to what I hope Blagojevich will do.

I hope he will cut a deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, agreeing to tell about all the corruption he knows.

That might perhaps appeal to him since many of those he would finger are probably quite willing to push the Governor out of office.

It Beginning to Look a Lot Like Deliberate

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Either that or incompetence.

For probably the fourth money (and I’m not wasting my time going back and counting), the McHenry County College administration has failed to live up to its promise to post what are called “board packets” in a timely fashion.

Usually, I check the Friday before the Monday Committee of the Whole meetings to see what is up.

There’s even a special board meeting Monday where the faculty union contract will be probably be approved.

Agendas are on the college web site, but no board packets.

Wouldn’t you deduce that from the following agenda item?

“Agreement Between Board of Trustees and McHenry County College Faculty Association, Board Report #08-265”

But, unlike in Huntley School District 158, the public will have no advance notice of how high the raises will be.

We don’t get to look at Board Report #08-265 for the 6 PM Monday meeting.

I did it at 9:30 Sunday night this time around.

So, we are less than 24 hours before the meeting and citizens are not allowed to see what the board members will consider Monday night.

Do you think salaries amount to 80% of MCC’s budget, the way they tend to in school districts?

No reason for the public to know anything about such a piddling amount, right?

I think it was last month I suggested a $100 personal fine for President Walt Packard every time a board packet was not posted in a timely fashion.

I doubt anything else will catch his attention.

Maybe $100 is too small, but some monetary fine would catch his attention.